Lima Escape
Europe Portugal North Portugal The Minho
Lima Escape is what estate agents would call ‘wonderfully appointed’. Nestled on the western-edge of Peneda-Gerês National Park (also known simply as Gerês), where 70,000 hectares of vast, amphitheatre-shaped space wows visitors each year with its deep river valleys, colossal peaks, and magical forests of oak and sweet-scented pine. With so much exploring to be done, you’ll need a campsite close-by where you can sleep off that sweet hiker's fatigue. Thankfully Lima Escape ticks that box and many more...
The site is huge (there’s capacity for 400 campers), yet it seems to maintain an intimate atmosphere whilst still showing off the site's vast, spectacular natural beauty. And what natural beauty there is. Pitching up in lush woodlands, surrounded by oak and pine trees, whilst the River Lima snakes its way nearby is a real pleasure for even the most seasoned camper. When the torches are switched off, and all you hear is the wind in the trees and the patter of weaving water, you realise Lima Escape is a bona fide camping nirvana.
One thing’s for sure, you won’t get bored. If you’re an enthusiastic rambler, you’ll love the surrounding mountains which offer a multitude of high-elevation paths and mountain biking treks, with views to knock your socks off. Gerês (Portugal’s major National Park) is spread across four dramatic granite peaks, and is especially popular with hikers in April and May when it’s twisting trails bloom with wildflowers.
The park is home to over 140 bird species including the eagle owl, honey buzzard and the whinchat, all of which are seldom seen elsewhere in Portugal. Animal lovers are also in luck, with ibex, wolf (don’t get too close!), pine martin, stoat and wild Garrano ponies all roaming the parks many moorlands.
Back at Lima Escape, your time is very much your own. In the evenings many choose to rendezvous by the snack bar, taking advantage of the full-flavoured food (homemade pies, sausages and hamburgers), or sipping a cold beer on the terrace. However, if you’d prefer some ‘me time’, Lima is the kind of peaceful, unspoiled patch where you can unwind without the fear of being disturbed.
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Details
Facilities
2 stone buildings with hot showers and toilets fully renovated in 2017-2018 (separate women and men), 1 washing & 1 drying machine (€4.50/ €4.00 per cycle), snack bar with 2 shady terraces, 1 small stage for live music performances happening on some Summer nights and a free Wi-Fi zone. There are 2 common use covered BBQ places with tables and electric plugs to aid cooking campers looking for somewhere friendly to make and enjoy their meals. Tipis and Bell tents are each pitched on a wooden terrace (with their own toilets) overlooking the River Lima and decorated in an oriental style with soft furnishings, table and chairs.You could also choose Lima´s Colour Lodges and add a new colour to your nature getaway! Suspended or put on wheels with a privileged view of the sunset, they are perfect retreats to relax and enjoy all that nature has to offer in a comfortable and glamorous way. Coloured in bright colours and wooden inside the lodges have some traditional touches from Minho region stand out for their modern and a bit futuristic shape & colourful exterior. Equipped with a queen-size double bed (supported by a drawer bed available for a child up to 10 years), kitchenette, flushing toilet and shower cabin, they offer a nice river-view terrace inviting to enjoy a pure contact with Nature.
Suitable For
Tents, glampers, campervans, caravans, small groups and dogs – yes.Nearby
Across the valley divided by the Rio Lima lies the loveably authentic Portuguese town of Lindoso. Offering a glimpse into what Soajo may have looked like before the tourist money rolled in, Lindoso is a delight to stroll through with its iconic stone houses, local women washing at communal fountains and chickens pecking merrily on paths. The town’s highlight is its petite, hilltop fortress that’s guarded the Lima Valley since medieval times. Also worth checking out is Lindoso’s recently restored castle, which was built in the 13th century by Alfonso III, and later reinforced by his son Dom Dinis. Today, it houses a small exhibition on the castle and its surrounding region. Tranquil Ponte Da Barca (12 minute drive) has a romantic riverfront park, enchanting sixteenth century bridge and tiny old centre that’s a joy to discover. It’s also a great source of information on how best to explore the magnificent Peneda-Gerês National Park. The town bursts into life every other Wednesday when a huge market spreads along the river. Culture vulture? Then venture 60km to Portugal’s third largest city, Braga. The bells of over 30 churches are a constant reminder of Braga’s devotion to the spiritual world. The town interweaves with ancient narrow streets, open plazas and boasts an impressive array of baroque churches. Adrenaline junkies will find pleasure here too, with plenty of water adventures right on your doorstep. Canoeing, canyoning and river hikes are all on the activity menu, with many others in the close surroundings of the park. If you want to try something different, go rafting in the late autumn and winter seasons when the rivers are much more full and fast!
Food & Drink
There’s an onsite snack bar - fresh and cosy place fully refreshed in 2020 ready to serve your breakfast, snack or some tasty salad. Among cafeteria, beer and various drinks, you can also try our toasts, hot-dogs, hamburgers, various sandwiches, plates of cheese and local smoked ham & sausages. In summer you could enjoy the shaded terrace and in cold winter days Lima Bar offers the warm & comfort of its fireplace as well as the cosy and relaxing ambience of its winter garden. There is a shop in reception, which offers a fresh bread delivery and sells the essentials groceries including camping gas, milk, cheese, hams and other local specialties. There are few simple restaurants close to Lima Escape serving beefs stacks, traditional cod fish (bacalhau) and some accessible daily meals.In Lindoso or Soajo (15 minutes) there are few traditional restaurants with fabulous regional cuisine, including a great choice of local beef-stakes, Bacalhau (typical cod fish), Octopus and Cabrito (mountain kid normally made in a traditional firewood oven) and grate variety of local deserts & cakes. Ask Reception for the good advice!
Opening Times
All year (except 2 weeks at the end of November).The Owner Says
Out team is waiting for you and we hope to make your stay really special and unforgettable!
Video Tour
Location
Contact Lima Escape, Parque de Campismo de Entre Ambos-os-Rios, Lugar de Igreja, 4980-312 Entre Ambos-os-Rios, Ponte da Barca - Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Getting There
There is an everyday shuttle bus from the Porto airport to Ponte de Barca where you can catch the other bus to Lindoso which stops 20 meters from the camping site (Entre Ambos-os-Rios), take a taxi (it´s about 8-10 euros from village to camping site) or contact the site to pick you up. Lima’s nearest train station is Braga where there’s a bus connection with Ponte de Barca and Arcos de Valdevez. From Ponte da Barca there are 2 buses per day to Lindoso, which stop in Entre Ambos-os-Rios, or you can call Anna who will pick you up from the village.
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